A record number of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are running for political office this year.

They are running for Congress, governor, state offices, city councils and school boards, shattering the quiet, apolitical, don’t-make-waves stereotype often associated with AAPI communities.

Many are running for the first time, leaving their comfort zones and daring to step into the public arena to make a difference. They are social workers, teachers, doctors, business people and veterans.

A lot of them are women, inspired by the Women’s March and the GOP’s attacks on women’s health.

For many first-timers, surveys have shown that opposition to Donald Trump and his extremist policies have spurred them to action.